Solar Power for Houses: Your Residential Solar Power System

Solar pool heaters are the most common use of solar thermal technology in North America.   This is because they are extremely cost effective: a solar pool heater will typically pay for itself in 2 to 3 years (Can. Solar Industries). Even without considering the savings in greenhouse gas emissions, solar pool heaters make a lot of sense.   The total price of solar heating a pool is usually $3,000-$4,000 US including installation, but can range from $2,500 to $7,000 US (Costhelper.com).

Solar hot water panels used in pools are flat plate collectors. They are usually made of rubber or black plastic and are a very simple use of solar thermal technology compared to solar water heating systems for drinking water.

The solar hot water panels are usually about 50% of the pool’s service area.  If a pool is indoors or is not in direct sunlight, a larger area of solar heating panels must be used to reach the same temperature.   A pool cover should be used at night to reduce heat loss.  If you don’t use a pool cover, you’ll need to install twice the area of solar hot water panel.

While solar pool heaters make excellent sense for swimming pools, they don’t work as well for hot tubs.  The water temperature can be raised high enough using metal collectors used for heating domestic water, but if the jets in the hot tub are used, the water will swiftly cool down again.

Sources:

Canadian solar industries association.  Solar pool heating overview.  Retrieved June 20, 2009

Costhelper.com

Residential solar pool heating systems: a buyer’s guide 2001 retrieved June 20, 2009

In climates where there are freezing temperatures, the water in solar hot water panels is in danger of freezing.  No hot water is produced when this happens, and it’s possible that the panels or piping could be damaged when the water expands as it freezes.   However, it’s perfectly possible to get solar  hot water in a cold climate – even during the winter.

The most common way to prevent the solar hot water panels freezing is to use glycol-based solutions in the panels. This requires a closed loop system where the heat is transferred from the glycol solution into the water you use in your house via a heat exchanger.   These systems are more expensive than simpler systems, but they are much more resistant to freezing and can continue to produce heat through the middle of a cold winter.   You will probably want a tankless hot water heater as backup because they may not produce enough for your needs when there are long spells of cloudy weather, but they will still produce hot water.  Both active and passive heaters can be outfitted with glycol so long as there’s a closed loop system.

Four-Season Solar Thermal Systems

Glycol-based solutions are typically used in active solar thermal systems, but they are also used in some Thermosyphon systems.  In order to use glycol in a Thermosyphon system, it must be a closed-loop system in which the solution in the solar thermal panels does not mix with your household water supply.  The glycol acts as antifreeze, preventing the pipes from freezing.  These solutions are typically 50/50 glycol and water.  Active glycol systems tend to be expensive, but they are considered the best choice for very cold climates.

There is one type of water-based system that can be used in frost-prone areas.  This is the drainback system, which does not easily freeze so long as the piping is sufficiently inclined so that drainback can occur quickly.  However, I suspect that this system is less tolerant of extremely cold temperatures for long periods of time than a system that uses a glycol fluid.

Three Season Solar Hot Water Systems

It is also possible to use a very simple system such as the batch heater during the summer and drain it during the winter.  You will get no hot water from it in the winter, but it should still be usable the next summer.

As you can see, there are several choices of thermal hot water systems for homes in a cold climate. Whether active or thermosyphon glycol, drainback or summer-only batch, there is probably something available that will fit your needs and pocketbook.

Sources:

US Department of Energy. Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. Energy Savers: Solar Water Heaters. Retrieved June 19 2009

Homepower.com. Retrieved June 19 2009

Build it Solar: solar water heating. Retrieved June 19, 2009

To create hot water using solar thermal energy, the sun’s heat is used to heat water directly without converting it into electricity.   The most common use of solar hot water in North America is heating swimming pools, but solar thermal’s potential goes far beyond this.

Solar thermal is commonly used for water heating and for heating houses.  The cost of heating by a solar thermal system is usually lower than the cost of an equivalent amount of electricity supplied by photovoltaics because solar thermal is on average 3x more efficient at converting the sun’s heat into energy, although the savings depend on the type of solar thermal technology used.  Solar thermal systems are also low maintenance.

Types of Solar Water Heater

1) Collector (solar hot water panel) Types

There are three main collector types: flat plate, batch, and evacuated tube.  Evacuated tube technology is generally more expensive than flat plate and batch because it is mechanically more complicated.

2) System Type: Passive or Active

Active systems include a pump; passive systems do not.  Passive systems are less expensive and may be more reliable but are less efficient (Energy Savers: Solar Water Heaters).

Passive Solar Water Heating

Batch Heater

A batch heater is the simplest type of solar water heater available.  They are also sometimes known as breadbox heaters, since the tank of water on the roof is often about the size of a breadbox.  If you wish to build your own solar hot water system, a batch heater is probably your best bet.   Being water-based, they are not suitable for winter use in climates where freezing weather can be expected.  They also have the disadvantage that hot water cools overnight and usually isn’t hot early in the morning.   The Florida Solar Energy Center has a free set of plans and instructions for building one, which can be found here.  They give the materials cost as being US $70.00.

Thermosyphon

This design tends to be more expensive than batch heaters.  However, because there is an insulated storage tank hot water is available at all times of the day or night, unlike the batch filter.  This design is actually the world’s most popular solar water heater (Homepower.com).  It may be closed loop or open loop.  If it is a closed loop system, glycol can be used.  This modified design is suitable for using in climates with freezing temperatures.

Active Solar Water Heating

Drainback Heater

This type of heater is more complex, being a closed loop system where the water in the collector does not mix with the house’s water.  A heat exchanger is used to move the heat from the liquid in the collector to the house’s water.  Like most active systems, it is more expensive than a batch heater.  On the other hand, this system can be used in the winter in climates with freezing temperatures if the pipes are adequately sloped to ensure drainback occurs quickly.

Glycol-based Solar Thermal Systems

Systems containing glycol are primarily used in areas which have freezing temperatures during winter.  This is because they continue to work and provide hot water during such weather, unlike most systems that use water.  Water-based systems may also suffer damage when the collectors freeze that will then need to be repaired.  Glycol-based systems are more expensive than systems that use water, but in a cold climate this disadvantage is outweighed by their resistance to freezing (Homepower.com).

Overall, solar thermal hot water is a technology that is economical to install and run by renewable energy standards and can be used almost anywhere.  It has excellent potential for home use and should be perhaps the first alternative energy technology considered by a homeowner wanting to reduce dependence on the electricity grid.

Sources:

Build Your Own Solar Batch Water Heater. Florida Solar Energy Center Retrieved June 12, 2009.

http://www.builditsolar.com/Projects/WaterHeating/FSECFS36Batch11349.pdf

US Department of Energy. Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. Energy Savers:Solar Water Heaters. Retrieved June 12 2009

http://www.energysavers.gov/your_home/water_heating/index.cfm/mytopic=12850

Homepower.com

http://www.homepower.com/basics/hotwater/

Pros

The most obvious advantage to solar energy is no operational carbon emissions.  Other advantages include reduced dependence or even complete independence from fluctuating energy markets and efficient power generation in areas that do not have access to a power grid.  In areas that do not have access to the power grid, it is frequently cheaper to buy a photovoltaic system than it is to pay to extend the grid, or to buy and run a diesel generator.

While energy prices have gone down recently with the global recession, it is unlikely that they will stay down.  When the economy improves oil prices will likely go back up, and energy prices in general will probably follow.  Once your solar panels are set up, the vast majority of your costs have already been paid, and rising electricity prices will be something that happens to other people.

In certain areas of the USA, there are programs that will let you lease solar Grid-tied Systems. This eliminates the high start-up cost problem if you are lucky enough to live in one of those areas.

Cons

There are also disadvantages to solar photovoltaic power.  Solar energy requires sunlight.  Photovoltaics do not produce power at night, and the amount of power they produce on cloudy days is much reduced from what they produce in sunlight.  They also produce more electricity during the summer than in the winter.  This is an advantage if your air-conditioning bills are higher than your heating bills, but in colder climates this is a disadvantage to solar power.  In climates with many cloudy days, power output is reduced from its full potential, which means that your initial investment takes longer to pay back than you might expect from tests in Spain or California. 

Purchasing and installing a solar system involves a substantial outlay of capital.  Prices for solar photovoltaic sytems are falling, but the cost is still prohibitive for many people.

Sources:

Home Power Magazine http://www.homepower.com/home/

Solar Photovoltaic Cost and Price Trends Retrieved May 16, 2009 http://www.solarbuzz.com/StatsCosts.htm

The exact pros and cons of photovoltaic solar power depend partly on whether you have a grid-tied system or an off-grid system.  So, what exactly are those pros and cons?

Off-grid Solar

Off-grid solar systems require substantial maintenance because of the battery banks necessary for storing electricity.  These batteries require occasional replacement and can be a fairly expensive investment on top of the solar panels.  However, if you live far from the power grid it can be far cheaper to have a solar system than to pay for connection to the grid.  Also, if the grid goes down your power source will not be affected.

Grid-tied Solar

Grid-tied systems without battery backup are the cheapest to set up for most people.  They do not offer any protection if the power grid they are tied into goes down, but they do offer the possibility of selling excess power to the local power company provided that the power company is set up to accept that.  This should be checked before you set up a Grid-tied solar Power System.

Grid-tied Solar with Battery Backup

It is also possible to set up a system that is Grid-tied but has a backup battery bank.  This is considerably more expensive than the standard batteryless Grid-tied System, but it means that if the grid goes down you will not have a power outage due to that failure.

In the end, which system is best depends on your needs and how you plan to use your photovoltaic array.  Photovoltaic power is not a one size fits all technology, and while the array of options in systems can be confusing, at least it gives you a good chance of obtaining a system that suits your needs.  More information on solar power and photovoltaic systems can be found at http://www.homepower.com/basics/solar/, as well as many other places on the web.

In the face of growing worldwide concern with regards to finding new and better renewable energy sources, solar energy is fast becoming a viable option. It is a field which will only increase in prominence in the coming years, and this has created immense opportunities for qualified individuals suitable for positions in this vertical.

Solar certification courses provide students with tremendous opportunity to gain a foothold in this growing industry and with the knowledge offered by these courses, they will be well positioned to be part of a knowledgeable workforce that will definitely be sought after in the solar installation industry.

Anyone who is looking to enhance his or her career opportunities in the field of renewable energy would do well to look into the career advancement possibilities offered by solar certification. With the increasing need to develop renewable energy sources in the current environmental scene all over the world, more and more electrical contractors are looking to enter the potentially lucrative solar electric energy industry.

There is an obvious need for electrical contractors to continuously add to their skill sets and receive endorsements from authorized certification bodies and one of the best ways to do that is by getting solar education. This sentiment is echoed by many in the industry who feel that the process of gaining solar certification is not really that much different from that which electrical contractors have already gone through in the past in order to become licensed contractors. It only makes sense to acquire solar certification as a means of further enhancing these skill sets. This will also allow them to develop their businesses in a way that will become increasingly more important and relevant to the environmental field.

To address this growing demographic, numerous renewable energy oriented organizations are stepping up to meet the demand by offering various solar education courses. Amongst the popular certifications in demand in the solar education space is the Solar PV Installation Certification program. Electrical contractors who have received such solar certifications are discovering that they are quite sought after by employers who are looking for capable and knowledgeable team leaders who can help crews break-in the new technologies inherent in green jobs.

Certificate programs for solar education and solar courses generally seek to instruct applicants in basic knowledge of the various solar applications and entry-level capability in common solar equipment installation procedures. This will equip them with credential certifications that are intended for renewable energy professionals and solar electric installers. The solar courses have been developed specifically for students that have little or no experience in the solar field, who are looking to gain knowledge on the basics of solar electric system operations and maintenance.

Keep in mind that these entry level solar certification programs do not render individuals qualified to actually install PV systems. Instead, they are intended to illustrate that students have gained a basic knowledge in the application and concepts of solar electric systems. Through further solar training, in Advance Installer Certification programs, candidates can equip themselves with expertise of a higher grid and scale.

Solar education and solar training courses are offered through a wide variety of venues. Some of the learning institutions where you can gain solar certification are colleges and universities, community colleges, vocational schools, technical learning institutions, and apprenticeship programs endorsed by appropriate government agencies.

Another solar certification that you can look into for purposes of enhancing your career opportunities with regards to green jobs are the ones offering certification and rating programs for manufacturers of solar panels. These programs are primarily designed to provide ways by which the maintenance of solar panels can be determined under recommended rating conditions. These solar certification programs encompass a broad range of solar-based applications including swimming pool heating, recreational heating, space heating, water heating and even cooling. These solar certification courses are generally voluntary and are offered to all manufacturers of solar-related products. One of the requirements of this program is the passing of a series of tests that have been developed by authorized solar certification bodies. This series of tests are conducted in line with industry standard methods that have been specified by independent laboratories.

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Solar Training, Solar Energy, Renewable Energy
Education-Boots on the Roof.

For additional information on solar training courses, please visit Solar Training Boot Camps at
Boots on the Roof.

Article Source: Populate.net

In the face of the current energy crisis, with virtually all of the traditional energy sources rapidly dwindling, there is an increasing interest in alternative energy sources. More and more sectors are realizing the bigger role that alternative energy will play in the coming years, and it is a trend that will likely continue for the foreseeable future. As you can imagine, this will result in plenty of job opportunities in alternative energy, particularly in the field of solar energy.

At present, thousands of new graduates from varying educational backgrounds are considering careers in the field renewable energy. These fresh graduates are ideally positioned to fill the needs of financiers, entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, provided they have the skills and capabilities required in the industry. And that is where the quandary lies.

While there is undoubtedly an increasing demand for experienced and qualified personnel in virtually every aspect of renewable energy, the demand greatly outweighs the supply. At the root of this wide demand and supply gap in the labor market, is the incessant lack of programs which train students careers in environmental jobs or green jobs. This void has begun to be addressed by a few educational institutes such as Boots on the Roof, a growing Solar Training institute in the heart of California, which is running a series of very successful solar training boot camps for students nationwide.

Interestingly enough, many of the professionals currently working in the renewable energy field began their education in other areas, even in fields that are totally unrelated. That being said, the best way to break into the solar energy industry is still by way of a thorough solar education as provided by traditional learning institutions, and Boots on the Roof is a good example to site here.

The younger generations in particular have taken advantage of courses offered by an increasing number of colleges and universities in sustainability and renewable energy.

In spite of these programs and similar others, solar companies are still dealing with under-staffed teams due to lack of skilled manpower. Some renewable energy organizations that are currently existent are now offering corporate solar training programs which are targeted towards applicants of different capability levels and interests. Some companies even offer solar training courses for military veterans who are looking for careers in the private sector.

You may also want to consider entry-level certificate program such as the ones offered by many technical colleges all over the country. These solar education courses typically consist of 24 hours of instruction, and will provide a basic entry point by which you can explore your opportunities in renewable energy.

While technical knowledge and background in solar courses is undoubtedly essential for those who are seeking careers in renewable energy, some basic business knowledge will come in handy as well.

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Solar Training, Solar Energy, Renewable Energy
Education-Boots on the Roof.

For additional information on solar training courses, please visit Solar Training Boot Camps at
Boots on the Roof.

Article Source: Populate.net

If you are looking to enter the field of solar panel installation, you would greatly benefit from being aware of the various training and certification requirements for the job. Obviously, extensive training is crucial if you are to have a certain degree of competency, however, certification is not necessarily an absolute requirement for solar panel installers in most states.

Obtaining certification from recognized solar energy regulatory organizations will likely have the effect of increasing your career opportunities and making your credentials more viable for a green job in the solar energy sector.

It is worth keeping in mind that different states may have different requirements with regard to licensing for solar panel installation professionals. These requirements typically fall under general contractor licenses or their equivalent, with some being more specifically categorized as electrical contractor licenses for PV, plumbing license for solar thermal systems, or solar contractor licenses.

You should also be aware that the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners or NABCEP specifically states that the certification which they offer is in no way intended to take the place of any licenses, credentials or certificates that may be required by local laws in the state wherein you plan to practice your trade. These solar certification and solar training courses are purely voluntary at present, although there is an increasing trend to support these and other similar solar certification programs by way of rebates and other incentives. Furthermore, the number of projects that require solar certification from the NABCEP certification is on the rise, and this will likely increase even further in the near future.

The solar certification program of the NABCEP specifies that solar PV installers should possess the skills and knowledge necessary to recommend solar electrical systems, configure and install these systems, inspect and maintain them in way that meets the customers� satisfaction, and conform to current industry standards for the performance, safety and reliability of solar electrical systems.

To this end, the NABCEP has developed a system geared towards PV Task Analysis, which is comprised of several areas of discipline, including how to work safely with PV systems, conducting site assessment, the selection of proper solar design, how to adapt the mechanical and electrical design, installation of solar electrical subsystems and components on-site, system check and inspection, and solar electrical system troubleshooting and maintenance.

All of these are of course essential areas of knowledge for those who are seeking qualifications as solar energy industry practitioners. In a report published by the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative in 2003 detailing training and certification requirements for the photovoltaic industry, it stated that the training required for solar industry professionals goes well beyond that which is typical for other areas in the building and construction industries. The report goes on to list some of the training requirements specific to the field of photovoltaic installations, some of which are outlined below:

�On-site evaluation with regard to system performance. This would include determining the effects of obstructions, angles, and so on.
�Characteristics of photovoltaic cells and modules, particularly how they relate to the design and performance of solar electrical systems
�System characteristics calculation�which includes aspects such as wire size�as a means of minimizing power loss and optimizing energy production
�Current wiring methods
�Mounting technology
�Solar electrical system maintenance, as well as diagnostics and troubleshooting methods
�Customer education

Aside from these training requirements, aspiring solar panel installation professionals should also receive instruction in basic electrical skills, possess knowledge of the electrical grid, and be well versed in various roof and ceiling applications.

The installation of solar hot water or pool heating systems has its own requirements with regards to training and certification, for which the NABCEP has also developed a separate task analysis. This analysis is intended specifically for solar thermal applications, and details knowledge and skill sets that are required of professionals in this area of specialization. Among the areas covered by the Solar Thermal Task Analysis of the NABCEP are:

�Safe installation of solar powered hot water and pool heatig systems
�Systems and component identification
�System design adaptation
�Effective site assessment methods
�Solar collector installation
�Water heater and storage tank installation
�Piping, insulation and connector installation
�Mechanical and plumbing system and component installation
�Electrical control system installation
�Operation and identification tag installation
�System checkout
�Solar thermal system maintenance and troubleshooting

This set of tasks assumes that the solar thermal system installer utilizes an industry approved solar system design, along with the required components, installation instructions, schematics, and instructions for system assembly and troubleshooting. While the system itself is not necessarily designed by the solar electrical system provider, he or she must possess thorough knowledge about all aspects of the system, and in some cases may be called upon to modify the design depending on the application or customer requirement.

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Solar Training, Solar Energy, Renewable Energy
Education-Boots on the Roof.

For additional information on solar training courses, please visit Solar Training Boot Camps at
Boots on the Roof.

Article Source: Populate.net

Solar power and “green” building has become a focus in the construction market for several reasons. With the steady climb of energy prices, along with a decline in the price of solar installations, solar living has become a topic of interest for more than those that live in rural areas, or those looking to save the environment. Solar energy has become a viable alternative energy source, and the rates of both commercial and home installations are rising dramatically.

Who can use PV (Photovoltaic) training or solar courses?
People from all walks of life could benefit from solar training. Anyone interested in renewable, sustainable energy sources are good examples. Due to the expected rise of needed manpower in the solar industry, however, reasons other than the environment should compel others.

Already, the solar industry has discovered a skills gap in solar training. Those that know how to install photovoltaic arrays, develop other ways of harnessing solar energy, maintain the necessary equipment and several other areas are retiring � without the younger generation replacing them in knowledge and training.

Another area where the skills gap is showing is in “greener” building. Environmentalists, and others who just happened to notice solar energy is ultimately cheaper, are demanding energy efficient appliances, solar panels, rain catchers and any number of newer, more environmentally safe changes to their homes. As a builder without solar training, one may find themselves losing business due to lack of knowledge. With a little bit of time and effort, a general builder can turn into a “green” builder, with all the training and certifications necessary.

So how do you get involved?
As a “green” builder or solar installation provider, the first place to gather information would be your local homebuilder’s association. They’ll have information on solar product supplies, rules and regulations, and what’s need for PV certification. This is especially important, as each locality has its own regulations. They may not vary much from one to the other, but they do vary.

Training and certification is necessary. As a homebuilder using solar design, you’ll want to make sure that the finished home is certified as an energy efficient, solar domicile. For that to happen, you’ll need solar training and certification.

Likewise for solar installers. Each individual PV installation will be different, having its own requirements and sets of issues to overcome. This means that adding a PV system is not “plug and play”. Requirements and needs will have to be assessed, problems will have to be circumvented, and a custom solar installation will have to be designed. This is why PV training and certification is a must.

PV training and certification programs are readily available at our Boot Camps. Our programs are all NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners) Approved. There are three types of certification; an Entry Level certificate, a Solar Thermal Installer Certification (solar heat), and the PV Installer Certification. To hold these certifications, you would be trained to design and install all types of custom solar solutions.

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Solar Training, Solar Energy, Renewable Energy
Education-Boots on the Roof.

For additional information on solar training courses, please visit Solar Training Boot Camps at
Boots on the Roof.

Article Source: Populate.net

It is hardly surprising that with the growing interest in renewable energy sources, there is a corresponding growth of interest in people wanting to enter the solar jobs space. The area of solar energy is one that is proving to be particularly attractive, and is one that has expressed a growing demand for qualified and capable personnel to enter its workforce.

All of these developments have naturally given rise to the question of what training and certification requirements are needed for those who are looking to build a career in the solar energy industry. The obvious place to start is the training courses offered by both traditional learning institutions and technical and vocation organizations. These venues in particular have subsequently experienced a huge increase in the number of people interested in taking solar education courses.

This is a fairly logical turn of events since the gap between environmental and economic concerns is ever narrowing in the face of the need to develop alternative energy sources such as solar energy. The fact of the matter is that the rise of environmental technologies will result in the development of environmental jobs and �green� jobs, and students are becoming cognizant of this fact.

In fact, the high demand for solar courses has resulted in certain learning institutions being forced to place applicants on a waiting list. While this is a need that definitely has to be addressed in order to supply the personnel demands of the solar energy industry, it is a positive indicator in that it points to the fact that more and more people are interested in entering the field.

For those who are not able to get into any of the solar courses, further training options can be found in local community colleges, many of which have begun to offer courses directly related to renewable energy. Many of these courses offer the advantage of being taught by professionals that actually work in the areas of solar energy. Furthermore, community colleges also typically offer courses in electrical theory and construction, which provide just as much valuable training as specific solar courses�such as photovoltaic training for example�for someone who is looking to get a start in the solar energy industry.

It is interesting to note that while many professionals that currently work in the field of solar energy have earned their qualifications from traditional learning institutions�that is through regular degree programs and professional training programs in science, engineering or related disciplines�many of them have picked up the actual skills required by the job through direct, hands-on experience. In fact, there is a considerable number of professionals in the renewable energy industry that have developed the bulk of their skills and qualifications by way of solar training programs provided by their employers, even those that have previously worked at similar jobs in related fields.

A considerable number of the workers in solar energy field are experienced construction workers who have undergone apprenticeship programs. These solar education programs are either offered by trade associations or by vocational schools and community colleges, and they may last anywhere from a few weeks to a year. Applicants that manage to successfully complete these solar education apprenticeship programs are given a certificate of completion. These courses typically offer instruction in solar electrical system installation, system maintenance, and solar panel retro-fitting, and may even be applied for by high school level applicants that want to learn how to install or repair solar systems as a means of breaking into the solar energy industry.

While the people who work in the solar energy industry will likely continue to benefit from actual on the job experience for the foreseeable future, an increasing number of the future workforce will enter the field already possessing knowledge and qualifications that are specific to the field of solar energy. These individuals will be particularly suited to positions in the solar energy industry wherein relevant qualifications are more essential.

Those who are looking to become solar electrical system installers will greatly benefit their careers by obtaining certification through a program that is overseen by North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners or NABCEP. While relatively few industry practitioners have earned their certifications through this program since it was established in 2003, the number will likely increase in the future as the program is implemented as an industry standard.

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Solar Training, Solar Energy, Renewable Energy
Education-Boots on the Roof.

For additional information on solar training courses, please visit Solar Training Boot Camps at
Boots on the Roof.

Article Source: Populate.net